Mike Bloomberg making big Ohio push: 60 staffers already, 13 field offices coming

Obviously, Bloomberg is not writing off the importance of Ohio in 2020 as some are, says Aaron Pickrell, his state director. The Buckeye State is key to moving voters beyond the easy stereotype of a generic New York rich guy, Pickrell said, to show he can not only relate to the problems of average people, but also offer solutions to their most pressing problems

The presence of Pickrell at the campaign’s helm gives it immediate credibility among top Democrats. He was state director for Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign, and a senior adviser for the president’s 2012 reelection team.

The campaign also has as its top communications official Meredith Tucker, who has worked for the Ohio Democratic Party and is now on leave from the office of Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein.

But Bloomberg’s entire campaign is unconventional. He is skipping the four early voting states — Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, South Carolina — normally regarded as critical to establishing a candidate’s viability.

His real entry into the race is designed to occur on Super Tuesday, March 3, when Democrats go to the polls in California, Texas, Virginia, Colorado, North Carolina and other states.

NBC reported earlier this week Bloomberg had hired more than 800 staffers and already spent more than $100 million on advertising. That latter tally doesn’t count the pricey Super Bowl ad he will air during the game.

Navy Vet

Article URL : https://www.dispatch.com/news/20200108/mike-bloomberg-making-big-ohio-push-60-staffers-already-13-field-offices-coming